Rockets Take Firm Stance On Including 3 Players To Suns Deal

The Houston Rockets were finally able to acquire Kevin Durant over the weekend in what may be the biggest trade of the summer.

Surprisingly, the Rockets didn’t have to give up too much to get Durant.

In fact, they have held tight to three players throughout negotiations and were able to keep them all.

According to The Athletic, the Rockets maintained a firm stance with their refusal to include Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith, Jr., and Tari Eason.

SOURCES: The Rockets maintained a firm stance in their refusal to include these young players in the Kevin Durant trade:

◽️ Reed Sheppard
◽️ Jabari Smith Jr.
◽️ Tari Eason

H/T @sam_amick, @KellyIko pic.twitter.com/ajYsVtl1kO

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) June 22, 2025

In the end, the Phoenix Suns received Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and draft picks for Durant.

As it stands, there are a lot of questions about Green and whether he will stay in Phoenix or move to another location.

It was thought that the Suns would get a big haul for Durant, but they ultimately got less than what most people expected.

This made clear just how ready they were to move on from the two-time champion.

The Rockets see these three players as a vital part of their plans moving forward, envisioning them all as potential All-Stars and leaders who could take Houston to the next level.

They are also very excited to see what they can do with Durant in the mix.

It’s quite remarkable how the Rockets were able to hold onto these three and other players.

This trade might end up being really good for them, especially if Durant looks like the future Hall of Famer that he is.

The Suns didn’t walk away empty-handed, but they didn’t get some of Houston’s most prized possessions, and that’s a big deal.